Greece › Santorini › Kid-Friendly Hotels
Updated: September 25, 2026 • By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Two beachfront pools at Sea Breeze, my favorite beach resort for families in Santorini. It’s quiet and isolated, so a rental car is useful.
Santorini Family Hotels: My Tips
My son and I in the small pool at Merovigliosso Apartments in Imerovigli.
- Best Towns for Families:
• Fira: My favorite base for families with older kids and teens. It has the most shops and restaurants, and the main bus station makes it easy to explore without a rental car.
• Oia: The most beautiful village and a good choice if the hotel itself is a big part of the trip. Oia is very busy from late afternoon through sunset, and stairs, uneven lanes, and crowds can make strollers awkward.
• Kamari & Perissa: The easiest towns with babies and young children. Both are flat, walkable, and have beaches, casual restaurants, and less expensive hotels. Kamari is my favorite of the two for most families.
• Imerovigli: Best for families who want caldera views without the crowds of Oia or Fira. Many cliffside hotels have lots of stairs. Strollers are largely pointless here.- My Top Family Hotels:
• Best Overall: Aria Suites & Villas in Fira.
• Best Luxury Resort: Andronis Concept in Imerovigli.
• Best in Oia: Andronis Arcadia.
• Best Beach Resort: Sea Breeze Beach Resort in Exomitis.
• Best Value: Merovigliosso Apartments in Imerovigli.- Check Age Restrictions Before Booking: Many caldera hotels in Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli do not accept young children, while others restrict children to certain suites or villas. Always check the hotel’s current age policy before booking.
- Strollers: Kamari and Perissa are easiest with a stroller. Fira is manageable if you stay near the center and avoid hotels far down the caldera cliff. Oia and Imerovigli have more steps and uneven paths. A baby carrier is much easier for sightseeing.
- Beaches: Santorini’s black sand and pebbles get very hot in summer. Water shoes are useful for kids, especially at Perissa and Perivolos. The water also gets deep fairly quickly at many beaches.
- Rental Cars: You don’t need a car if you stay in Fira, and it’s usually more trouble than it’s worth in central Oia. A car is much more useful at Sea Breeze, Windmill Villas, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and other hotels away from the main towns.
- Best Villa Splurge: Oia Mansion. Historic sea captain’s house in the heart of Oia that sleeps up to eight, with a huge private terrace, sunset views, and a hot tub.
Enjoying a private plunge pool during our stay at Aria Suites & Villas in Fira.
The 29 Best Family Hotels in Santorini
1. Aria Suites & Villas – Fira
My favorite family hotel in Santorini. Aria has a quiet location on the caldera but is only a short walk from the restaurants, shops, and bus station in central Fira. The Carmen and Norma Suites have two bedrooms and work well for families of four. The separate villas are a short walk from the main hotel and pool; the two-bedroom Fidelio Villa sleeps up to six and has a private heated hot tub. Children of all ages are welcome.2. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort – Imerovigli
One of Santorini’s best luxury hotels for families, with large suites and villas and private warm pools in every unit. Family activities include cooking classes and tennis, while the larger two, three, and four-bedroom villas are especially good for families who need real space. The hotel sits just outside Imerovigli rather than in the pedestrian center, so it’s quieter and easier with a car.3. Sea Breeze Beach Resort – Exomitis, near Perivolos
My favorite beach resort for families in Santorini. Sea Breeze has a secluded serviced black-sand beach (honestly, the sand is decent but not ideal), multiple shared pools including children’s pools, kids’ menus, and babysitting on request. Rooms, suites, and duplexes have outdoor hot tubs or private pools, and the hotel supplies water shoes for the beach. The location at the quiet southern end of the island is the main tradeoff: rent a car if you plan to do much sightseeing.4. Athina Luxury Suites – Fira
One of the better choices for families who want to stay directly on the caldera in Fira. Several suites sleep four to six, babysitting is available, and the infinity pool has volcano and sunset views. The location is excellent for families without a car, with restaurants, sights, and the Fira bus station nearby.5. Andronis Arcadia – Oia
My favorite luxury family hotel in Oia. Suites and large villas have private pools and west-facing sunset views over the Aegean rather than the caldera. The hotel has a large infinity pool, kids’ club, restaurants, and family activities. It’s outside Oia’s busiest pedestrian lanes but still close enough to walk into the village, a much better setup with children than staying deep in the crowded center.6. Domes Novos – Tholos, near Oia
Luxury resort near Oia with a kids’ club, kids’ pool, family activities, and private pools with every room, suite, and villa. Family Rooms sleep up to five, while the two-bedroom villas add a kitchen and more living space. The hotel is only about a kilometer from Oia, but the road is not a pleasant walk with children. Use the complimentary Oia shuttle or drive.7. Noūs Santorini – Mesaria
Modern resort in Mesaria with one of the biggest hotel pools on Santorini, plus an indoor/outdoor pool in the wellness center. Suites and bungalows with private pools are available, and connecting rooms make the hotel a good choice for larger families. Ramps and elevators make it much easier with a stroller than most caldera hotels. Mesaria is central for exploring the island but does not have caldera views; Fira and the east-coast beaches are a short drive away.8. Santorini Kastelli Resort – Kamari Beach
Large resort with several pools, a spa, fitness center, and more space than most Santorini hotels. Suites sleep up to four and come in one-bedroom or loft-style layouts. It’s less than 500 meters from Kamari Beach and a short walk from restaurants and the open-air cinema.9. Aeifos Boutique Hotel – Imerovigli
One of the easiest caldera hotels with a stroller or wheelchair, with road access, an elevator, and accessible facilities. Aeifos sits near the top of the caldera, so guests can reach Imerovigli’s pedestrian path, shops, and restaurants without first climbing a long staircase. Rooms and suites sleep up to four, connecting rooms are available, and the infinity pool has excellent caldera views.10. Celestia Grand – Mesaria
Small collection of caldera-view villas with kitchenettes, large terraces, private heated pools, and plenty of privacy. The largest villas have two bedrooms and work well for families who want more space than a typical caldera hotel room. Breakfast is served at the villa, and the property has parking and shuttle service to Fira.11. Tholos Resort – Imerovigli
Caldera hotel with a shared pool and direct sunset views. The two-bedroom suite sleeps four, while the large Tholos Villa sleeps up to five and has two bedrooms, a kitchenette, an indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor hot tub. Good location in central Imerovigli near restaurants and Skaros Rock.12. Canaves Epitome – Oia
One of Oia’s best luxury hotels for families, and children of all ages are welcome. The hotel has a children’s pool and a kids program for ages four to twelve. Spacious suites and multi-bedroom villas have private heated pools and west-facing sunset views over the Aegean, not the caldera. Epitome sits outside Oia’s crowded center, with a complimentary shuttle to Oia and Ammoudi.13. Rocabella Santorini – Imerovigli
Caldera hotel north of Imerovigli village with several pools, a restaurant, spa, and rooms and suites large enough for families. Many accommodations have private pools or hot tubs. The location is quiet but a little removed from the center of Imerovigli, so don’t choose it expecting to step straight out into the village.14. Bellonias Villas – Kamari Beach
Beachfront boutique hotel with a pool, beach club, and an easy, mostly flat layout. Apartment Suites are best for families, sleeping up to five with a separate bedroom, kitchenette, and private terrace. The location is excellent: directly on Kamari’s pedestrian beachfront and close to restaurants, the boat to Perissa, and the open-air cinema.15. Windmill Villas – Imerovigli
Three private villas built as Cycladic windmills, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, private pool, garden, and parking. There’s also a playground with swings, slide, and trampoline, plus a private open-air cinema. Breakfast is delivered to the villa each morning. The location near Pori Beach is quiet and isolated; I strongly recommend renting a car.16. Elysian Santorini – Finikia
One and two-bedroom villas with private pools or hot tubs and sunset views over the Aegean rather than the caldera. Finikia is much quieter than Oia but close enough to walk to its restaurants and shops. A good choice for families who want a villa and pool without staying in the middle of Oia’s crowds.17. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani
Small luxury hotel with an infinity pool, caldera views, and fewer stairs than many neighboring cliffside hotels. One and two-bedroom suites sleep up to five; the three-bedroom villa sleeps six and adds a full kitchen and private pool. The hotel handles food allergies and special diets well. Firostefani’s restaurants and bus stop are about a five-minute walk away.18. Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa Beach
Beachfront hotel with two main pools, a kids’ pool, serviced beach area, and restaurant. Several room types sleep four; the two-level Maisonettes give families more space. Aqua Blue is also one of the better choices on Santorini for travelers with limited mobility. Restaurants and the long pedestrian-friendly Perissa beachfront are right outside.19. Vedema Resort – Megalochori
Five-star resort built into the traditional village of Megalochori, with large suites and villas, gardens, pools, restaurants, and a spa. One and two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom villas give families much more space than a typical caldera hotel. Megalochori itself is quiet, attractive, and has several restaurants within walking distance. A rental car is useful for sightseeing and beach trips.20. Voreina Gallery Suites – Pyrgos
Family-run hotel with nine suites and four villas, most with kitchens and private pools or hot tubs. The largest suite sleeps four, while the villas sleep up to six. Breakfast is included, and airport or port transfers are complimentary. Voreina is about a five-minute walk from the center of Pyrgos. I recommend a rental car if you plan to explore the island or visit the beaches.21. Enigma Suites – Fira
One of the best midrange caldera hotels in Fira and especially convenient for families without a car. Junior and Senior Suites sleep four, the Exclusive Suite sleeps five, and the Signature Suite sleeps six. Larger suites add outdoor hot tubs. Restaurants, shops, museums, and the Fira bus station are all a short walk away.22. Strogili – Oia
Good-value Oia hotel with a large pool and caldera views. Cave houses and villas have large private terraces and options for families of four or five. The hotel sits at the quieter east end of Oia, about a ten-minute walk from the busiest part of the village.23. Tamarix Del Mar Suites – Kamari Beach
Midrange hotel with a large outdoor pool and kids’ pool, small indoor heated pool, playground, and babysitting on request. Most suites and apartments sleep four or five; the split-level maisonettes have the most space. Units include kitchenettes, and the hotel is about a two-minute walk from Kamari Beach and its restaurants.24. Anemomilos Hotel Apartments – Oia
My favorite value hotel for families in Oia. There’s a good-sized pool and several villas that sleep four, including options with caldera views, hot tubs, or access to a shared pool. The location at the east entrance to Oia is quieter than the village center but still an easy walk to shops and restaurants.25. Kamares Apartments – Fira
Cave-style apartments with kitchenettes, large terraces, caldera views, and private hot tubs with most units. The Deluxe Apartment sleeps up to four. Breakfast is served to each apartment, and the location is quiet but only about a five-minute walk from central Fira.26. Santellini Hotel – Kamari Beach
Good-value hotel with a pool close to Kamari Beach, restaurants, water sports, and the open-air cinema. The two-level Maisonettes sleep up to four, with a queen bed upstairs and two single sofa beds downstairs. Breakfast is included.27. San Giorgio Villas – Fira
One of my favorite budget hotels in Fira, with a pool and a quiet side-street location about five minutes from the caldera, restaurants, attractions, and bus station. Triple and quadruple rooms make it a good inexpensive choice for families who care more about location than caldera views.28. Astra Suites – Imerovigli
One of my favorite luxury hotels in Santorini, with an excellent pool and direct sunset caldera views. Most accommodations are geared toward adults, but the Family Suite and separate Astra Private Villa, about 500 meters from the main hotel, work for families. Both have two bedrooms and kitchen facilities; the villa adds its own pool. Confirm the current child policy for the specific room before booking.29. Merovigliosso Apartments – Imerovigli
My favorite budget hotel for families in Imerovigli. The small pool, central location, and apartment-style rooms make it unusually good value for the village. The Luxury Apartment sleeps four with a double bed and two sofa beds and has kitchen facilities. Restaurants and the Imerovigli bus stop are just steps away.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave,
Planning my first trip to Greece with my family including three kids ages almost 9, 13, and 16. I am deciding for Santorini between staying at the Aria Suites in the Fidelio villa/suite or the Athina Luxury suites in the Royale suite. The photos of the Royale suite look more “luxury” and the higher price seems to reflect that. Steps are not an issue for us or the kids. Any advice between the two hotels? Thank you!!
Both hotels are 5-star and the service at both is outstanding. Your decision should come down to this:
• Choose Aria Suites if your number one priority is maximum privacy and a quiet villa atmosphere. The swimming pool is located at the hotel which is a short walk from the Fidelio Suite. The pool is a bit more kid-friendly than the trendier vibe at Athina. (The villa has a smaller plunge pool steps from its front door.)
• Choose Athina Luxury Suites if your priority is more space and a modern, “wow-factor” luxury design with a slightly more energetic vibe.
My Advice: For a family of five with three kids, including two teenagers, the extra space and third sleeping area of the Royale Suite at Athina is a significant, practical luxury that will make your stay more comfortable.
Hello Dave,
My family will be traveling to Santorini in August for 2 days. My kids are ages 15, 13 and 9 and we would love at least two bedrooms and two bathrooms and ideally the two teenagers do not want to share a bed. We would love to have an onsite restaurant, plunge pool and gym, if possible. I am trying to decide between Vedema and Anema Boutique Hotel or possibly Cape 9 Villas. Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!
Your initial thoughts of Vedema, Anema Boutique Hotel & Villas, and Cape 9 Villas & Suites are good starting points. Vedema, being a luxury resort, is well-equipped with amenities and has large suites and villas, and a fantastic pool. For Anema (more boutique, near a so-so beach) and Cape 9 (villa-focused in Akrotiri), you’ll need to verify if their larger units meet all your specific requirements.
Several other high-end properties are worth investigating. Consider Canaves Oia Suites/Epitome in Oia for luxury villas with private pools, Carpe Diem Santorini in Pyrgos for exclusive suites with plunge pools, or Magma Resort Santorini and Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites, which offer multi-bedroom configurations. Properties like Santorini Princess Presidential Suites have multi-bedroom suites with private pools.
Hi Dave
We are looking for a hotel with a kid club that would occupy and take care of our 6-year child during the day while we go around with my wife. Any suggestions? In case we want to hang out by night, are there hotels proposing a babysitting service?
Thanks
Raoul
There are no kids clubs that I know of on Santorini. Most hotels (certainly the better ones) can arrange babysitting.
Hi Dave, Thank you for all the great info on this blog. I am thinking of going to Santorini, and possible Mykonos, late May/early June with our two children (6 and 8yo). Do you think it is mandatory to rent a car in those 2 islands, or are the bus routes sufficient to just “hop” to another village? I see that you mention quite a lot on some of the hotels recommended in Santorini that they are close to the bus stop – so perhaps a car is not needed? Thank you for your recommendation. Anne
In Mykonos there is less to see (the main places are the beach and Mykonos Town and they’re generally well-connected by bus). In Santorini, there’s much more to see and do. Much of that can be done with tours and bus rides but you’ll definitely see more of the island if you have a rental car, though I wouldn’t say it’s a necessity.
Hi Dave, Great site thanks.
Can you recommend any Windsurfing companies in Naxos? We are specifically looking for board hire.
Thanks, Chris
Good windsurfing companies for board hire are Laguna Beach Park in Stelida, Naxos Kitelife at the north side of Mikri Vigla, and Ride with the Gods at the south side of Mikri Vigla. Rates are similar at all locations, and all require an IKO level check before renting. Naxos Kitelife has a reputation for quality board rentals, but the tightest regulations, with boards only available to use at their designated beach area, only for 2-3 hour sessions, and they charge €20 if you fail their IKO check. Ride with the Gods offers quality boards, more flexibility with use of their rentals, and has board/gear storage available. I think Laguna Beach Park caters more toward beginning windsurfers, but they have excellent gear for rent and great rates on multi-day rentals.
Hi Dave,
I love your site! such great travel advice.
I am staying in Santorini next year in May and have booked Canaves Oia suites for 3 nights. However, when we arrive in Santorini we have 1 night prior to Canaves Oia Suites, that we haven’t booked. My partner and I can’t decide if we should stay in Fira or Imerovigli for our first night prior to going to Canaves Oia Suites. What would you recommend, Imerovigli or Fira?
Fira is the nightlife and shopping hub of Santorini. Imerovigli is much quieter, no nightlife or shopping (beyond a few food markets), and 8 to 10 restaurants. Oia is sort-of a blend of those two places (much busier and more shops than Imerovigli, but not the nightlife, bars, and clubs of Fira). So, if you want more activity and buzz, I recommend Fira. Otherwise, I’d stay in Imerovigli.
Hi Dave,
Your blog is so helpful. We are a family of 7 – 5 children 22,21,18,16 and 7. We will be traveling in Santorini last minute in June, would you recommend VRBO or which hotel for our large group, we are willing to get 2/3 rooms. What are your thoughts on Tholos or El Greco?
Thank you
Tholos is wonderful with great caldera views and an idyllic location in Imerovigli. The pool is small but nice. El Greco is outside of Fira. Walkable to Fira – but it’s a long walk if it’s hot. It feels more like a resort. Not as charming but the pool is much larger and rooms bigger too. VRBO (and Airbnb) are great when they work out. It’s the inconsistency that makes them hard for me to recommend.
Hi Dave,
We are traveling early June with 3 teenage boys. I’ve decided to stay in a hotel after reading your comments on staying at an Airbnb. I’d love some advise on which beach town to choose. The caldera side looks amazing but I’ve been told beach town is better with teens. Also, beach side seems to be better priced. We are not looking to break the bank.
Thanks,
Cathy
Yes, beach towns have cheaper hotels and if the kids like to swim obviously there’s that appeal. (There’s no sea swimming when you stay along the caldera.) Kamari is more of a proper town, closer to the caldera, and has a great open-air cinema. Perissa has nicer sand and a cooler vibe in my opinion.
Hi Dave
We would really appreciate some advice on a great hotel to stay in during our visit to Santorini. We are arriving 2 May and staying for 5 nights. My mum has always wanted to visit Santorini so my sister and I are taking her. We have looked at hotels.com for a hotel with a caldera view, ideally, we are looking for a 1-2 bedroom with at least a queen bed and a double sofa bed. Currently I am holding the Iliovasilema Suites, which is at the top end of our budget. Should we look for hotels in Akrotiri or Pyrgos or is this location a little too remote and we would need a car to get around? Really appreciate your help. Realize we are only a month out from travelling, but hoping your advice will help us make the decision to firm up a reservation with the hotel we are holding or go with your alternative recommendations.
Regards Michelle
Iliovasilema Suites has a great location in Imerovigli. I definitely recommend staying there over some place in Akrotiri or Pyrgos which is away from the main caldera villages and yes, then you would need a rental car. Iliovasilema Suites has wonderful views and you’re just a short walk to some of the island’s best restaurants.
Hi Dave,
I am planning a travel with my wife and almost 20 months old. I am trying to decide between Aria Suites (villa) or Oia Mansion. It looks like villa is pure luxury while mansion is a great location for young kids?
Please let me know.
Thanks
Mike
They are both wonderful places – two of my favorites but fairly different. Oia Mansion is basically a four-bedroom house with a huge private patio on top (and smaller one below by the entrance). It has lots of space inside and out. Crowds gather around Oia Mansion for the sunset (it’s smack in the middle of the prime viewing spot in Oia) but there’s a ton of private space for you and your family (the crowds are around the property but obviously not inside the grounds of Oia Mansion). The villas at Aria Suites are closer to a large hotel suite with a shared deck/patio with the four other villas. All villas have a private jacuzzi but not all are right on the edge (though you’re only steps away). There are large “curtains” that separate the space for each villa but you sort-of walk through those to get in and out of the villa property. There are no crowds immediately around Aria Villas. (So a little less privacy within the property but more privacy from the outside world as compared to Oia Mansion). Both properties have private hot tubs, but neither has a swimming pool right on the property. At Aria Suites it’s a 1 minute walk to the Aria Suites Hotel where there’s a beautiful pool (free to use for villa guests). At Oia Mansion it’s a 3 minute walk to Lioyerma cafe and pool bar with an equally nice pool (free after you buy drinks and food). Both places have great restaurants and a few small markets within a 3 to 5 minute walk.
Hi, amazed to see the amount of quality information on this blog. Me and my 6 year daughter planning to spend 4-5 days in Santorini during October half term, this year. Will the weather be ok? Don’t need a large room, as it’s just 2 of us, would love a private pool and a view, where they would allow kids, Fira sounds like a great place, as is close to restaurants etc.
Any recommendations?
Aria Suites is the most family-friendly hotel with both pool and caldera views in Fira. Weather in early October should be warm and beautiful but not hot.
Hi there,
We are travelling to Santorini with two boys aged 11 and 14 in July. I can book the Princess Spa hotel now or wait until August to see if the Aria or Astra Suites have availability. How do these hotels compare?
Many thanks,
Nicole
If you can cancel for free then book Princess Spa now and keep an eye open for Aria and Astra. The big difference between the 3 is location. The Princess Spa is on a stretch of caldera with little around it (about a 20 minute walk to Imerovigli). Astra is in the sleepy town of Imerovigli (a handful of great restaurants but few shops or shopping). Aria is in Fira (lively with lots of shopping). The boys would probably prefer Fira.
Hi David, I am planning a late trip to Greeks isles late June/early July for 8 nights with my wife and 2 kids (9 and 7).. we are looking at Santorini for 2 nights and Mykonos for 6 nights. We have booked Aria Suites in Santorini and looking at Saint John in Mykonos. The hotels in Platos Gialos which you seem to recommend are heavily booked and/or very expensive now.
Would you recommend staying in Saint John which seems to have private beach and good facilities for kids ? We want to be close to beach and have quality rooms/facilities
Aria Suites is wonderful for a family, so good choice. Saint John Resort in Mykonos is very nice but not without some caveats: beach is small and not nearly as nice as Ornos or Platys Gialos beach, some tavernas nearby but not a lot of choice, a little isolated from the other beaches and Mykonos Town, most rooms are several levels above the beach so you’re not walking out your room and straight into the water. Renting a car makes seeing the rest of the island much easier if staying out here.
Thank you for the route recommendation! That’s very helpful. We originally weren’t going to do an actual stop in Rome but with your recommended itinerary we now plan on buying a multi city trip with a LAX to Athens then a Rome to LAX and buy a separate one way trip from Santorini to Rome with the last part of our trip being a 3 day Rome trip. Would you recommend against that? With that added itinerary, would you recommend splitting Naxos and Santorini and just doing a day trip to Mykonos or is Mykonos worth a 3 day trip. Also, do you recommend doing 3 nights in Fira and 2 in Oia if we want to stay there for longer or do you think moving around would be too much with our 5 year old. Lastly, what are your thoughts on the Anteliz Suites in Fira. I didn’t see them on your site but maybe I missed it. Thanks so much!
Apple
A stop in Rome sounds great. And splitting time between Fira and Oia is also a good idea. Anteliz Suites are very nice. Two caveats: lots of walk-by traffic with people looking into the pool area. And not actually located in Fira. It’s up a steep hill from Fira on the footpath’s route to Firostefani. Climbing hills is all part of being in Santorini but be prepared for a pretty good climb every time you return to your hotel from the shops and restaurants of Fira.
Hi there, your site is amazing! Thank you for putting in the time to support all of us with such knowledgeable content! My significant other and I are planning our first Greece trip with our 5 year old daughter. She is pretty socially mature and vacations well. We are planning on being there for 13 days (potentially 15) and wanted to know your opinion on how many days should we spend in the different areas. We like to do a combination of spending time at the beach/pool, relaxing, some sightseeing and eating great food. I was thinking of the combo: Athens 2 days, Santorini 4 days, Mykonos 3 days, Naxos 4 days. We are flying in from Los Angeles with a stopover in Rome so not sure if we should spend more time in Athens since we’ll be in a 16 hour flight prior to and not go to Naxos. I also don’t want to feel like we just keep moving around. Wondering what your thoughts are on Crete and if it is better to see than Mykonos or Naxos. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks so much!!!
Apple
I think that’s a perfect itinerary – a good mix and not too much moving about. Adding Crete would change your plans a lot and probably not worth the effort (not that Crete isn’t wonderful, it is, but so are Naxos and Mykonos and they’re much easier to get to given your route). Not sure if you’ve booked all your travel yet but I would recommend doing something like:
-fly Rome to Athens
-ferry Athens to Mykonos
-ferry Mykonos to Naxos
-ferry Naxos to Santorini
-fly Santorini to Rome
Or could do in the opposite direction as well.
Santorini Dave,
I posted a comment on your other blog, but maybe this is a more appropriate spot, given we are traveling as a family…Hello! My husband and I are traveling in late September – early October with our 4 young children (age 8, 6, 4, 1) to celebrate my 40th birthday. We are considering one night Athens, 3-6 days in Naxos, 3 nights Santorini, 5-7 nights Crete. Is this itinerary advisable?
Also, in Santorini, we plan to splurge on Katikies or Perivolas if either is available. It’s a big splurge. Do you recommend one over the other for young kids? Are there restrictions you know of? I have always wanted to stay at one of these two hotels. Any other insights or recommendations in Oia that we should strongly consider, and that would be comparable to these two?
Also adding after some reasearch…I notice Perivolas (which we are leaning toward) is glaringly missing from your list. On their room descriptions, it says, “Children are not encouraged.” Every room says it. This is a big birthday for me, I have always wanted to stay at one of these two hotels. It is late in the season and they appear to still have pretty open availability at this time. Think they will be ok with our crew?
Neither Katikies or Perivolas will allow young kids. With an email you might get away with 10 or 12 year olds, but there’s no way you’ll get accepted with a 4 and 1 year old. Astra and Aria Suites are the most luxurious hotels with caldera views that allow children.
Are there baby diapers available for purchase on Santorini?
Yes. The grocery store in Fira (as you head south out of town) has the most baby supplies. Here’s what they have in the way of diapers.
I am planning a 4 night trip to Santorini. After reading your blog, i got interested on Aria Suites, but when I checked availability, it was already full for June. Me and my husband and our 7 year old daughter are going in this trip. Our choice is Aressana. Is this a good hotel?
Aressana is very nice but does not have any caldera view. If you’re not committed to a view hotel then El Greco is more kid-friendly than Aressana. The tradeoff is that it’s a 10 minute walk outside of Fira whereas Aressana is right in heart of the town. I personally, would go with Aressana but it is a bit more boutiquish.
Hi
Your blog is great and extremely informative.
My husband and I along with our 3 year old will be in Santorini in May first week.
With a kid, I’m quite confused about my choice of hotels.
After reading your reply in Q&A I found Strogili in Oia quite good. Is the location and resort convenient with a kid?
My other options were:
Aressana Resorts and Suites in Fira.
Agali Houses.
I liked Astra Suites too, but would prefer a place where I spend Eur 700 for 3 nights.
Can you please guide or suggest any other options.
Deepa
Of the 3 hotels you’re looking at Strogili and Agali are the most kid-friendly (Astra is great too, but yes it’s more expensive). With Strogili you’re a little outside of Oia. It’s a nice walk from the hotel to the shops and restaurants but at one point you have to walk along a busy-ish road for 90 seconds. Not a deal breaker but it is a bit of a hassle. With Agali you’ll have lots of stairs to climb each time you leave the hotel.
We will be traveling to Santorini in July this year for 3 nights. We are 2 adults and 3 children, ages 7,9,11.
We would like a caldera view and a pool. What do you recommend?
Tina
Great choices: Strogili in Oia (apartment is short walk from pool), Tholos in Imerovigli (villa is expensive but you get your own private plunge pool), and Aria Suites in Fira (large suites but not right on the edge of the caldera – back a little but still has views).
Hello
We are planning a 3 week trip to England for a family member’s wedding from the US in July. We will have our 6 month old with us and this will be our first vacation as parents. I’ve always wanted to go to Santorini and would love to spend 5 or 6 nights in Greece. I like the Astra Suites and would definitely book there for Santorini. Instead of staying in Santorini the entire time, I think it would be nice to go to a beach, baby friendly, luxury hotel. Where would you suggest that would be easy to get to? We really love luxury and good food!
Thanks!
Kecia
Astra is wonderful so good choice. For a beach hotel do the Ios Palace Hotel on Mylopotas beach in Ios – easy to get to from Santorini (short ferry ride), beautiful beach, pools, and good restaurants both near the beach and a short bus ride away in the Chora.
Hello. Question, I’m planning a trip to Santorini in early June. It will be myself, husband, and 11 month old. I am in love with the view of Oia village (you know the white and blue domes)! Anyway, I’m trying to find a luxury hotel in oia with an infinity pool and great view of Oia village, but am having trouble finding a place that allows infants. Any advice would be much appreciated. I could spend up to 250 euro a night, maybe 300 euro if it’s perfect!
There are not a lot of infinity pools in Oia, few that allow kids, and none that are less than 300 euro. The closest you’ll get is Strogili and Delfini Villas – both very nice but not exactly what you’re looking for.
Hi – love your blog. I have a six and a four yr old and we’re looking to go to at the end of June beginning of July from Amsterdam. We’re open to any islands however I would like luxury accommodations that are kid friendly. Can you give me a recommendation on which islands would be best for us and what hotels?
Jessica
The best luxury hotels for families on the Greek islands are the Nissaki Beach in Naxos, Ios Palace on Ios, the Astra and Aria Suites on Santorini, and the Petinos Beach Resort on Mykonos. All have large suites, nice pools, and great locations.
Just want to thank you for your information. All the comments have really helped us plan our trip and book the hotels! Travelling with 2 year old, can’t wait to see Santorini!
Emily
Hi, your blog and tips are great! Thank you. This is our first time to Greece and we have two teenage kids. We’ve heard Greece is great with teens because of history and plenty of down time/beach time. We were thinking of a few days in Santorini to relax. We were looking at Oia in Santorini – but are there hotels or apartments that are both walking distance to the town and the beach? Any recommendations?
Also, any thoughts on this 10 day itinerary: 2 or 3 days in Athens, rest of time in Santorini for a little culture and plenty of relaxing OR would you recommend one other island for relaxing in addition to Santorini? Thanks!
Jennifer
Oia is not close to the beach (it’s a 20/30 minute drive to the main beach resorts) so no, there are no hotels walking distance to both town and the beach. Oia is walking distance to a great swimming spot just beyond Amoudi Bay but this is jumping off rocks and paths into the ocean, not a beach.
For 10 days in Greece I would recommend 1 or 2 days in Athens, 4/5 days in Naxos (great beaches), and 4 days in Santorini.
Thank you!
Hi David – Love your blog. We are visiting Santorini this May but are in a bit of a pickle. We have a young child (3 years old) and a limited budget (<$250 / night). We would like to stay close enough to the caldera to have a view from the room, but not so close as to constantly worry about where the kid is. I also understand that most of the hotels near the caldera won't even allow any young children to stay. Can you please make a recommendation as to potential good hotels to stay at the top of our budget? Thanks.
El Greco is a short walk outside of Fira. It is on the opposite side of the road from the caldera and has lots of space and nice pools for kids. It should have comfortable rooms for your budget.
I have a question – I am traveling with a friend and we both have 2 children both over 7. We were thinking of doing a cruise to include Greece and Turkey this summer – would you suggest otherwise?
It looks like Naxos is kid friendly and not sure that is one visited on the cruise.
We are traveling from San Francisco airport so trying to see a good bit but keep costs reasonable.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks,
Glenda Grant
Cruises are not a good way to see the Greek Islands. You don’t get long on each island. When you do visit you’re in a pack of tourists from the cruise ship. You don’t (usually) stay on the island for the night – the towns and villages really come alive at night and by then the cruise passengers are long gone. The food in Greece (and Turkey) is one of the highlights of a visit but when you’re on a cruise you’ll be eating half or more of your meals on the ship (and the food will be average at best, and quite possibly terrible).
Naxos is a wonderful island, but you’re right, not a common cruise ship stop.
Hi David,
Great blog! We are getting married in Santorini in September and are looking for somewhere to stay with our baby who will be 1 years old by then. Can you recommend somewhere for us to stay (area/hotel etc) which is baby friendly and doesn’t have steep steps to get to?
Thanks :-)
Ariel
Aria Suites is great for families with babies. The hotel is on one level (suites surround a beautiful pool). Nice views but not right on the caldera and not many steps to access. There’s parking nearby (once again, without stairs to get in and out). Shops and restaurants are an easy 3 minute walk away.